We were lucky to catch up with Donnie Bowling recently and have shared our conversation below.

Donnie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I feel very fulfilled as an artist and creative, I’m soo lucky and happy I get to do such a thing in my spare time.

I say spare time because like a lot of my peers I also have a job/career that i maintain. When I was younger and growing up in the coal fields of eastern Kentucky my mother and father pushed for me to attend college. They always wanted more for me than they had and hoped that I wouldn’t have to struggle like many in the area to find jobs and work my body away in the deep dark coal mines. I was lucky they forced that future on me.

I eventually found myself enrolled in a state college not far from home but just far enough! I strung a couple of lackluster semesters together and finally landed myself a spot in a Nursing Program and graduated 2 years later.

As a registered Nurse we only put in 36 hours a week…. I say only, but it’s 3 shifts of 12 hour nights with plenty of time for many things to go wrong or right!! But, with that type of schedule I have made it to where I can still maintain 4 days a week to create and perform. Again, I was lucky my
Parents forced me into something. :)

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is donnie bowling, I’m a singer/songwriter from eastern Kentucky. I started writing my own songs when I was around 15 years old and I’ve used music as a powerful outlet for my emotions and expression. Some times personal problem solving slips out into my lyrics and self reflection at times before I even realize it myself.

Im very proud that I’ve been able to produce a decent sized catalog in the last 10 years. It’s fulfilling to me that some of the songs I’ve written have reached people in their times of need. That’s what music has done for me and I’m proud of myself for repaying the debt. Art gets lost in the shuffle these days and it’s good to hear that messages meant to heal have reached their destinations.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a songwriter is when someone else really connects. Most will know that some songs are written for airplay and some songs are written from thin air. What I mean is some songs come to you for a reason and they must be shared with others, they have a purpose.

Music has always been there for me growing up, whether it be on long family vacation drives connecting with family members or me staying up late to try and catch the new song on the radio and hit record on my tape player.

Music, some songs have saved me and I’m sure many people can relate. It’s like the preacher is talking to you moments when you really needed it.

It’s most rewarding when I can repay that favor and give one back to someone else. It doesn’t happen often, but when I get a
Random message from someone on a random late night with a lyric of mine… I’m full of soo much happiness. Then it’s back to the drawing board.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

The only thing I would say non-creatives will not understand is that every artist has their own story and the way they will tell it.
Many people compare and contrast artists and writers that may sound alike and point out where they may lack or could do more “songs about coal mines”. I just want to convey that everyone is different and process life differently. Maybe the way one tells it may help others that don’t relate to the other side.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.DonnieBowlingmusic.com
• Instagram: @donniekbowling
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@donniebowling?si=8bOejv1aPFWJ61_f

Image Credits

The main photo I was using for the cover was taken by

Allison Maggard

The photo of my face and brick close up was by Brandi potter

The photo with dark background and light colored shirt was by Ali garey